Fr Silvester O’Flynn’s reflection on today’s Gospel: Danger of hypocrisy

Where do we stand today?

While the Pharisees concentrated on regulations about washing and cooking, Jesus said that what makes a person unclean is what comes out of the heart.  It is from within us that either goodness or evil will emerge.  Many people have such a fixation about sexual thoughts that they overlook their failure to have a heart that cares for those in need. Jesus summed up all commandments and regulations as loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind; and loving our neighbour as oneself.

Examining conscience

A good way of examining conscience is to see oneself in the light of a favourite prayer or passage of scripture. Perhaps the best-known examination text is Saint Paul’s description of Christian love.

“Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. It is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.” (1 Cor. 13: 4-7). 

Far more important than cosmetic cleanliness is cleanliness of mind and heart.

Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.

Thanks

A huge thanks to all who welcomed Fr Paul Kangkai in July. He was most appreciative of the way in which people responded to him. I too was most impressed by this talented Nigerian priest.

We said farewell this week to Fr Michael Carroll, who returned to his diocese in California. He loved coming to Christ the King for Mass and I know our parishioners loved having him.

Coffee Morning

First Coffee Morning after the summer will be held on Tuesday next, 3^rd September, in the Parish Centre after the 10.00 Mass. All welcome.

First Wednesday: On Wednesday next, the first Wednesday of the month, the Marian Novena will be led by the Legion of Mary at 10 am

Parish Assembly meets on Monday 9^th September, at 8.00 pm.

Recent Deaths (since the last bulletin):

Martin Lynch, Green Lawn; Helen Kenneally, Model Farm Road; Nellie Murphy, Derrynane Road; Daniel Murphy, Kilcolman Lawn; Breeda Barry, South Douglas Road; Eileen Hayes, Kanturk and Capwell Rd; Bernie Isaac, Capwell Rd; Geraldine Sheehan, Slieve Mish Park; Gary Browne, Monkstown; Thomas (Tom) Henry, Green Lawn; Michael O’Connell, Friars Rd.  We pray for them and sympathise with their families. May they rest in peace.